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You Can Do: Smoky Eyes

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You Can Do: Smoky Eyes

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then smoky eyes are the black Chantilly lace curtains. The classic, sexy look draws attention to the most expressive part of your face, and the smoky veil conveys a sense of mystery. Go for a smoky grey like Kristen Stewart, or if you're feeling daring, opt for a defined noir cat eye a la Dianna Agron.

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The Basic Tips

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• Drag a dark pencil across the upper and lower lash lines to create definition, then blend to soften the edges. Go over both lines with an inky black shadow.
• The smoky eye is simple when using a palette. Apply the second deepest shadow, and blend from the lash line to the crease. Layer on the lighter shade to create a fade like Jennifer Lawrence's, then use the palest color to highlight your brow bone.
• Set the look with a light dusting of translucent powder.

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The Basic Products

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amp#149; Shadow palettes give more options to work with, so you can create a distinct smoky eye every time. We like the Dior Couleur and Ombre shadows from the 5-Colour Palette in Smoky Design ($60; dior.com).amp#149; A light sweep of MAC's Mineralize Loose Foundation ($31; maccosmetics.com) sets the colors, and helps blend out any harsh lines you didn't catch the first time around.amp#149; Soft pencils like the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black ($8; ulta.com) are easy to smudge, but stay in place to add extra definition.

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I'm afraid it will melt.

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Smooth on a primer like Urban Decay's Primer Potion ($20; ulta.com) over the entire lid, prior to layering on the dark colors. This gives the shadow a place to adhere, which prevents it from creasing or migrating to your upper eyelid. For extra insurance, mattify lids after with blotting papers.

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It makes my eyes look small.

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The key thing to remember is not to cover your entire lid in heavy smoke, and to use lighter and lighter colors as you move away from the lash line. Use the darker shades on areas you want to diminish, and the lighter, shimmery colors on areas you want to enlarge. Then, run a nude or white eyeliner along your waterline like Amber Heard to open eyes up.

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I'm afraid it will look too harsh.

Michael Loccisano/WireImage for IFP; Time Inc Digital Studio

The smoky look isn't restricted to shades of sable. Make like Elizabeth Olsen and try a neutral look, or choose a hue opposite of your iris on the color wheel to make eye color pop. Choose a vibrant amethyst for green eyes, warm, bronzy hues for baby blues, or a midnight blue for brown eyes. Try applying a bit of shimmer to your inner corners with Tarte's The Bright Side Eye Brightener to soften the look, but be sure to blend well so the effect is subtle.